GSМC condemns second 6-month extension of GHADC term, demands immediate election
Tura, October 8, 2026: The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), HQ Tura, has strongly condemned the Meghalaya Government’s decision to grant a second six-month extension to the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), calling the move unwarranted, unjustified and contrary to democratic principles.
In a press statement issued on October 8, the GSMC said the repeated extension of the tenure of an elected autonomous institution amounts to undue interference in the electoral process. The organisation maintained that there is no compelling justification for further delaying the GHADC election, particularly as the necessary steps towards conducting the polls are already underway.
The GSMC acknowledged that the first extension was considered in the context of addressing issues related to the GHADC election, including the mandatory requirement of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for candidates contesting for the post of Member of District Council (MDC) and consideration of a separate electoral roll. It also appreciated the positive steps taken by the GHADC Executive Committee in this regard and the subsequent approval accorded by the Governor.
Referring to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Hon’ble High Court by Shri Nilbath Ch. Marak, the GSMC said the Court’s direction concerning the conduct of the GHADC election, based on the Delimitation Committee’s report, has further strengthened the case for proceeding with the electoral process without any further postponement.
The organisation also stated that its representatives held discussions with the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the GHADC and the Delimitation Committee on October 6 and 7, 2026. During the discussions, the Delimitation Committee reportedly conveyed that it was prepared to submit its report on October 12, while the tenure of the present GHADC Executive Committee is due to conclude around October 17–18.
Against this backdrop, the GSMC has urged the competent Election Commission/Election Authority to take immediate and necessary steps to conduct the GHADC election at the earliest and ensure that the democratic mandate of the people is not further delayed.
The GSMC further emphasised that Meghalaya is home to indigenous tribal communities, including the Garos, Khasis and Jaintias, and that the GHADC has functioned as an autonomous institution under the Sixth Schedule framework since 1952. It said the constitutional status and autonomous character of the GHADC must be respected and that its democratic functioning should not be undermined through repeated extensions.
The organisation has called upon the Meghalaya Government and all competent authorities to take immediate, transparent and lawful measures to facilitate the GHADC election and restore the democratic mandate of the people at the earliest.
The GSMC warned that if the Government fails to take appropriate action and provide a necessary response, it would be compelled to pursue further democratic, constitutional and lawful courses of action to safeguard the democratic rights and constitutional interests of the people of Garo Hills.